Tender Hearts charity on its way to £8,000 dream

Skelmersdale family are raising money for Ormskirk neo-natal unit

A charity that is aiming to raise £8,000 for Ormskirk neo-natal unit is one step closer to achieving its dream after a street collection.

Tender Hearts was set up by Joanne Denton, 31, after her two children were born prematurely.

Joanne, from Skelmersdale, said: “My little girl was born at 26 weeks, weighing 1lb 14oz, in 2004 and my little boy was born at 28 weeks, weighing 2lb 15oz, in 2009.

“They are both doing amazingly well and I am so grateful to all the doctors and nurses and the Bliss team for we wouldn't have got to where we are today without their help and support, especially in the very early days.

“I have always felt indebted to them and as this year Robynne is turning 10 and Dillon is turning five we thought we would like to do something, to give back. So we decide to do a year of fundraising and Tender Hearts was born.”

The whole family recently held a street collection in Ormskirk where they raised £225.

Joanne and her partner Anthony’s ultimate aim is to raise £8,000 which would be enough to buy a new transport incubator and give Bliss £1,000 to help the group continue supporting families of babies born too soon, too small or too sick.

To help them reach their goal, there are more street collections planned in Skelmersdale and Southport. Members of the family will also be completing sponsored bike rides and marathons.

A fancy dress evening is planned for May 23 at Upholland Labour Club and a family fun day is also planned for July 27 at The Beacon Country Park.